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Sunday, September 30, 2012

H.E. Kamalesh Sharma (right), Commonwealth Secretary General opens Annual Meeting of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers. Left is Hon. Bob Carr, Australian Foreign Minister and Chairperson of the meeting.

The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Annual Meeting in Session.

High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Kingdom, H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe during the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Annual Meeting.

H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe (2nd left), together with various Foreign Ministers during the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Annual Meeting. Tanzania delegation was led by Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (not in the photo), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe (left), exchanging views with one of the pertinent Commonwealth colleagues about the Strategic Plan prepared by the Secretariat and the new Commonwealth Charter.

High Commissioner of Tanzania to the United Kingdom, H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe (right) in brief discussion with Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth about the next CHOGM meeting scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in November 2013.

The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers meet for their Annual Meeting in New York

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO

September 29, 2012

The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers yesterday met in New York for their annual meeting to deliberate on a number of issues pertaining to the work of organisation.

The meeting chaired by the Australian Foreign Minister, Robert Carr, reviewed progress made since last October 2011 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Western Australia.

Most significantly, the meeting adopted a “Charter of the Commonwealth” and discussed the organisation’s Strategic Plans for the next few years.

Tanzania delegation was led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation,Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) and included the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Kingdom, H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe.

In his opening remarks, the Commonwealth Secretary General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, thanked member countries for their active participation in the process leading to the adoption of the Charter.

The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the new Strategic Plan Brief which resulted from the 38th meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held on September 28, 2012 in New York, USA. Tanzania is a member of CMAG, a key organ of the Commonwealth.

Commenting on the Strategic Plan, Foreign Ministers reminded members of the need to ensure the relevance of the Commonwealth and to protect the organisation’s core value and principles.

Indeed, views were raised on the need to improve the Strategic Plan prepared by the Secretariat to align it with objectives of the new Commonwealth Charter in promoting democracy and development.

The meeting also received a report on preparations for the next CHOGM meeting scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in November 2013.

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation gives his Statement before the General Debate at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday in New York, USA. Hon. Membe led the Tanzania delegation on behalf of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation)

28 September 2012 – A range of African ministers took to the podium of the United Nations General Assembly today to highlight the precarious situation arising from food insecurity and the slow-down in development due to the global economic crisis.

deteriorated and the vulnerability of many developing countries increased since his nation’s President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete voiced serious concern over the issue at the UN a year ago.

“We must work collectively to address food insecurity,” he told the 67th Assembly on the fourth day of its annual General Debate at UN Headquarters in New York. “We must increase food production and productivity on a sustainable basis, strengthen agricultural systems and establish early warning mechanisms as we also must develop effective responses to calamities such as those in the horn of Africa and the Sahel region.”

Mr. Membe noted that the world's economy still remains fragile after the financial crisis of 2008, compounding the challenges of sustainable development. “This situation is further exacerbated by the effects of climate change, population growth, poverty, unemployment, hunger, diseases, growing economic inequalities within and among countries as well as lack of rule of law and violations of human rights,” he said.

“I know for sure that the global economic crisis is far from over,” he said. “Many reports are predicting the re-occurrence of the crisis which will certainly affect the flow of aid, trade, FDIs (foreign direct investment) and remittances to developing countries.”

He also reiterated the African demand for expansion of the 15-meber Security Council to include two permanent members from the continent with veto powers.

Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Djibrill Yipènè Bassolé, said his country had suffered a food crisis this year because of a bad rainy season. “The cereal shortage has been exacerbated by a massive influx of tens of thousands of refuges from Mali, sometimes accompanied by their cattle,” he said.

Instability in northern Mali, where Islamic militants have seized control, imposing strict Sharia law, has caused more than 260,000 refugees to flee to neighbouring countries, further straining the already fragile social and economic infrastructure.

“The restoration of a stable and lasting peace in Mali will require a global approach combining political dialogue and the use of force essentially aimed at neutralizing transnational extremist groups whose presence in northern Mali is sure to deliver an irreparable blow to efforts for better governance and social and economic development,” he said.

The Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, Patrice Emery Trovoada, lamented the inability of the United Nations to confront the situation in Mali – where the Islamic militants are also reported to have destroyed World Heritage religious sites – as well as the crisis in Syria, where over 18,000 people have been killed since an anti-government uprising erupted 18 months ago.

“Sadly our organization continues to suffer from the roadblocks that prevent urgent decisions that cannot be postponed from being taken and that undermine the forum’s credibility,” he said.

He added, “We need no further evidence of the urgency for in-depth reforms of our institution, primarily the Security Council, to put an end to the horrific images of children that are symbols of purity and innocence who are killed daily in Syria, to prevent the destruction of the world historic and cultural heritage by gangs of destructive criminals in Mali and Afghanistan and to prevent coups d’état or obvious attempts to destabilize states and democratic Governments.”

Guinea’s Foreign Minister, Edouard Niankoye, addressing the General Debate on Thursday, endorsed the Malian Government’s request to the Security Council for the deployment of an international force to restore the country’s territorial integrity.

“In neighbouring Mali, where terrorist and rebel groups have occupied the north for several months, the reinforcement of democratic institutions and the restoration of territorial integrity constitute major challenges that must be taken up,” he told the Assembly.

Also speaking in the General Assembly on Thursday, Burundi’s First Vice President, Therence Sinunguruza, voiced his country’s hope that the Malian Government will find a rapid solution to the crisis in its north.

Burundi “is equally confident that Mali will soon renew the democratic process to establish institution stemming from free and transparent elections,” he said, referring to the March 2012 military coup when soldiers took control of the West African country.

The African ministers are among scores of world leaders and other high-level officials presenting their views and comments on issues of individual national and international relevance at the Assembly’s General Debate, which ends on 1 October.

Mrs. Dorcas Membe in a photo together with Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation after he gave his Statement on behalf of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete during the General Debate at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday in New York, USA.

H.E. Ambassador Tuvako Manongi (left), Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations in a photo with Hon. Membe (center) and Mrs. Dorcas Membe.

Hon. Membe and Mrs. Dorcas Membe in a photo outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.

Mr. Togolani Mavura (left), Private Assistant to Hon. Membe congratulates his boss, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation for making Tanzania proud for his grandiose speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Hon. Membe led the Tanzania delegation on behalf of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

Mrs. Maura Mwingira (left), Minister Plenipotentiary at the Tanzania Mission to the United Nations also congratulated Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) for the Statement he delivered yesterday before UN 67th Session of the General Assembly.

Ms. Tagie Daisy Mwakawago, Communication Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation took little time off behind the camera and reporting to congratulate Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) after he delivered his Statement at the UN General Assembly. (photo by Mr. Rainman)

Mr. Modest Jonathan Mero, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the UN briefs Hon. Membe (left) about Tanzania Mission. Center is H.E. Ambassador Tuvako Manongi, Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations.

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (5th left), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, in a group photo with home-based staff members at the Tanzania Mission to United Nations in New York, together with Ms. Annette Mmari (2nd left), Executive Secretary to the Minister and Ms. Ramla Khamis (left), Second Secretary in the Department of Multilateral Cooperatin in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Mr. Patience K. Ntwina, Assistant Director of Department of Public Legal Servics in the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs congratulates Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. Hon. Membe had just finished reading his Statement before the United Nations General Assembly.

H.E. Ambassador Tuvako Manongi, Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations (right), H.E. Prof. Dr. Joram M. Biswaro (2nd right), Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the Africa Union and United Nations Economic Comission for Africa (UNECA). Others are H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, Senior Advisor to President Kikwete (Diplomatic Affairs) and H.E. Ambassador Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United States of America and Mexico.

Ms. Tully Mwaipopo (center), First Secretary at the Tanzania Mission to the United Nations, Mrs. Rose Mero (left), and Ms. Ramla Khamis, Second Secretary at the Department of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Mrs. Dorcas Membe contratulating Hon. Membe after he finished addressing the United Nations General Assembly. Witnessing the moment is H.E. Ambassador Tuvako Manongi.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation addresses the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.(Photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)

UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

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STATEMENT BY

HON. BERNARD KAMILLIUS MEMBE (MP),

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

at the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

NEW YORK, 28TH SEPTEMBER 2012

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Mr. President,

Mr. Secretary-General,

Heads of State and Government,

Heads of Delegations,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

First and foremost, allow me to convey to you fraternal greetings from H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania who could not attend this session due to other equally important engagements.

Mr. President,

On behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I wish to congratulate you for your well-deserved election as the 67th President of the General Assembly. It is indeed a pleasure to participate in this General Debate under your Presidency.

Similarly, I congratulate your predecessor and commend him for the manner in which he steered the work of the 66th Session.

It would be a remiss on my part, if I do not acknowledge and commend the Secretary-General and the entire Secretariat for their service to the Organisation.

Preventive Diplomacy

Mr. President,

Echoing your words during the opening of the session, “We meet here amidst upheavals of unprecedented scope” characterised by multiple intra and inter-state conflicts in the world, a time of emerging and worsening conflicts, most of which are taking place in Africa and the Middle East. These conflicts have caused deaths and suffering of millions of people, among them children, women and the elderly. Undoubtedly, a new world order of lasting peace, security and freedom as envisaged in the UN Charter can be achieved through dialogue and reconciliation.

We applaud that the theme for this General Debate is “bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means”.

Similarly, we welcome many initiatives undertaken at national, regional and international levels in promoting this matter.

Mr. President,

For 50 years of Independence of the United Republic of Tanzania, we have witnessed and appreciated the effectiveness of preventive diplomacy and have even participated in various mediation processes in the region and the continent such as in Burundi, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Kenya. The involvement of the Former Presidents of Tanzania, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Benjamin William Mkapa as well as that of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania in these processes is a clear testimony of our continued commitment to preventive diplomacy.

Mr. President,

We are all too aware of the dire consequences of conflicts particularly when all mechanisms provided in the Charter of the United Nations for resolving conflicts fail to find a permanent solution and lasting peace. The situation in Syria is a case in point. It is important that we find ways of strengthening the early warning mechanisms and prevent conflicts before they occur. In whatever case, we should not pursue anything that would encourage parties in conflict to resort to armed solution instead of dialogue.

While facilitating dialogue, it is also important that we uphold the principles of impartiality, objectivity and respect of international law. The unity of the entire membership is crucial in ending impunity and human rights violations wherever they occur.

Mr. President,

The Pacific Settlement of Disputes as provided under Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter has never been so pertinent. In the interest of maintaining peace and security, we should learn to keep our differences aside and not allow them to create divisions among us. I believe your Presidency will guide us towards this direction.

Situation in Southern Africa Region

Mr. President,

Tanzania is the current Chair of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.We have taken the mantle of leadership of this Organ at a time when some countries of the region are facing security challenges.Under the umbrella of SADC and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region of Africa (ICGLR), we have resolved to find a durable solution to the crisis in the Eastern DRC where rebel groups such as the M23 are destabilizing and threatening peace and security of the entire region. Members of ICGLR have agreed to establish an International Neutral Force comprising of 4,000 troops to address the problem. Tanzania has committed to contribute troops to the neutral force. Through African Union (AU), we are taking necessary steps to ensure that the deployment of this International Neutral Force in Eastern DRC gets the mandate of the United Nations.

Likewise, Tanzania will work assiduously with other Member States of the SADC to support the return to constitutional normalcy in Madagascar, and finalization of drafting a new constitution in Zimbabwe which will open the way to democratic elections by June 2013. We proceed in this endeavour with the firm belief that a solution in both countries will finally be achieved through effective and constructive engagement of all parties concerned.

Multilateral Development Agenda

Mr. President,

While striving to overcome the problems of conflicts, we are equally confronted with challenges of sustainable development. This situation is further exacerbated by the effects of climate change, population growth, poverty, unemployment, hunger, diseases, growing economic inequalities within and among countries as well as lack of rule of law and violations of human rights.

Mr. President,

The world’s economy still remains fragile after the financial crisis of 2008. Some of our developing countries fought hard to recover from the crisis including through stimulus packages, focusing on areas that could accelerate economic growth such as agriculture, which is the main stay of most developing countries including my own. Our endeavours paid off before the onset of the Eurozone crisis, which is a major threat to global economic growth.

I know for sure that the global economiccrisis is far from over. Many reports are predicting the re-occurrence of the crisis which will certainly affect the flow of aid, trade, FDIs and remittances to developing countries. Despite these challenges, there is still hope for the future. We have an opportunity to prevail over the turbulent waves if we abide and work together.

Mr. President,

Twelve years ago, in the month of September, we met in this very same chamber to adopt the United Nations Millennium Declaration, which gave birth to the Millennium Development Goals. Three years from now, we would reach the deadline we agreed. We have undoubtedly made some progress in many fronts but most of our developing States are unlikely to achieve all the goals by the set deadline of 2015.

My country has also made progress in the achievement of the MDGs. It attained Goal 2: universal primary education; way back in 2009. It has registered considerable gains on Goal 3:promoting gender equality and empowerment of women; and Goal 6: combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases. We have also achieved moderate results on other goals. However, much remains to be done to emancipate our people from poverty traps.

Mr. President,

Our goals to achieve better livelihood for our people must go far beyond 2015. It is thus necessary that we consider the post-MDGs agenda, one that complements instead of diverting our focus from the current MDGs. My delegation proposes to have the second generation of the MDGs where all our efforts will be directed to ensure that those countries that will not achieve the MDGs by 2015 are facilitated to achieve them in the post 2015 period.

Let me underscore that, it is not worth it to divert our attention fromthese goals when most developing countries, especially those in the Sub-Saharan Africa are unlikely to achieve them by 2015. We believe the time is right to discuss the future of MDGs and consider the proposed Sustainable Development Goals in the light of the current MDG targets.It is equally important that the development needs of Africa should feature prominently in all post MDGs consultations and decisions undertaken in various multilateral fora.

Mr. President,

The Secretary General has recently launched the 2012 MDG Task Force Report entitled “The Global Partnership for Development: Making Rhetoric a Reality”.While alarming in some respect, the Report also offers some hope and reaffirms our inter-dependedness and common destiny.

It is important therefore to recommit ourselves to the full implementation of the MDGs after 2015 and other internationally agreed development goals. We must equally recommit ourselves to the total realisation of the internationally agreed commitments on the Special Needs of Africa and the Least Developing Countries (LDCs).

Mr. President,

During the 66th Session of the General Assembly, H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete expressed serious concern regarding global food insecurity. Since then, the situation has gotten worse and vulnerability of many developing countries has increased.We must work collectively to address food insecurity. We must increase food production and productivity on a sustainable basis, strengthen agricultural systems and establish early warning mechanisms as we also must develop effective responses to calamities such as those in the horn of Africa and the Sahel Region.While ensuring food security, we need also to address the issue of nutrition.It is in this regard that Tanzania is a proud member of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement (SUN).

At national level, the government is undertaking various initiatives to ensure food security through Public Private Partnerships (PPP).My government has had the pleasure of hosting the Africa Green Revolution Forum in Arusha, which concluded today with the participation of some African Leaders, Ministers, Private Agribusiness Firms, Financial Institutions, Farmers, NGOs and Agricultural Experts.The Forum was organised by Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

Sustainable Development

Mr. President,

The review Summit of the 20 years of implementation of the Environment and Development Conference - Rio +20 adopted an outcome entitled “The Future We Want”. This outcome is about our future and the future of life on our globe; our land; our flora and fauna; our air; and our water. My delegation welcomes this outcome which, among other things, acknowledges that eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge facing the world today and commits to freeing humanity from poverty and hunger as a matter of urgency.

In the outcome document, there are issues that are still outstanding that needs further consideration by this Assembly.As we move to resolve these issues we must seek the agreement of all Member States.My delegation will continue to engage other Member States on these issues and others.

United Nations Reforms

Mr. President,

The reforms of the United Nations are long overdue. The United Nations is us - Member States, without which there is no United Nations. If We Member States cannot agree on the reforms then the UN will never be reformed. It is a fact that we have had long discussions without concrete agreements. The time has come to walk the talk.

It is important to remind ourselves that Africa is the largest Group in the United Nations and the only continent that does not have a Permanent Seat in the Security Council. This situation equally overlooks the fact that most discussions in the Security Council are about Africa.We, the African Leaders and the African Union have voiced our sentiments and agreed to have two Permanent Seats with the Veto powers. We will continue working together based on the agreed Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration which we all subscribed to. I therefore appeal to Africa to maintain its solidarity.

Mr. President,

My country will continuetosupport reform of the United Nations including the Delivering as One Initiative (DaO) which has been implemented with considerable success in Tanzania since 2007. The government will continue to support the DaO process including its continuation in programme countries.The endorsement of DaO by some Members of this august Assembly is a clear testimony of the value of this approach.We believe that the 2012 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) will take into account these positive achievements.

Non-self Governing Territories

Mr. President,

The United Nations is anchored on the principles of human rights, rule of law, good governance and democracy. We – the Member States must implement what we deliberate and agree on. Otherwise, the credibility of the UN will be at stake. The Security Council and the General Assembly have adopted so many resolutions on Palestinian Independence. Tanzania applauds the admission of Palestinian State to UNESCO. As we do so, Tanzania would like to once again appeal to the Big Donors of UNESCO to review their decision of punishing UNESCO by withdrawing their contributions.This decision impacts more on developing countries particularly African countries that usually use up to 65 percent of UNESCO funds in education, science and culture.

With regards to Western Sahara, Tanzania calls upon the UN Secretary General to continue his mediation efforts of bringing together the government of Morocco and the leadership of Western Sahara to resolve the crisis. In this regard, my delegation encourages Morocco to rejoin the AU so that together we can find a durable solution on the independence of Western Sahara.

Unilateral Sanctions and Embargos

Mr. President,

Tanzania remains troubled by applications of unilateral sanctions and embargos imposed against Cuba and its People. As H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete said during the previous General Assembly Session, Tanzania is in full solidarity with the people of Cuba in demanding the end to all unilateral sanctions and embargos against them.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen;

We - Member States have the duty and responsibility to make the world a better place. We should maintain the sanctity of humanity before our ambitions and desires.In order to achieve this, we should recommit ourselves to, and uphold, the objectives and principles contained in the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the United Nations Charter.